The mechanical properties of an epoxy resin with a second phase dispersion

Abstract

The mechanical strength of an anhydride-cured epoxy resin was studied by means of tensile tests as a function of particle size and volume fraction of an alumina trihydrate particulate-dispersed phase. These results and those of the microscopic examination imply that the poor strength of the system may be attributed to the intrinsically low strength of the dispersion. The tensile strength can be maximised by correct formulation on the basis of either particle size or volume fraction of the dispersed second phase. The modulus increases with increasing volume fraction, but is unaffected by particle-size variation at a constant volume fraction. The addition of a silane coupling agent increases the modulus of the composite, while having a negligible or adverse effect on the other properties.